The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 is a popular choice for Nigerians and Africans who want to live, work, and study in regional Australia while building their Permanent Residency (PR) eligibility.
The good news? The 491 is designed to lead to PR through the Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191), but only if you meet all the requirements.
Afrovo helps clients plan from day one so that when the time comes, their PR application is smooth and stress-free.
To be eligible for PR via the 191 visa, you must:
Live in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
Work in regional employment for 3 years
Earn a minimum taxable income (currently AUD $53,900 per year) for those 3 years
Comply with all visa conditions (e.g., living and working regionally, notifying changes)
You’ll need to prove your:
Regional residential addresses
Employment contracts, payslips, and tax returns
Income meeting the threshold for each of the 3 years
Target regional jobs in your nominated occupation
Ensure your role meets the full-time definition (38 hours/week)
Avoid long gaps between jobs
Once eligible:
Gather evidence of 3 years’ residence, work, and income
Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs
Wait for PR approval (processing times vary)
Live and work anywhere in Australia
Access to Medicare
No regional work restrictions
Pathway to citizenship
Advise on eligible regional areas and occupations
Help secure regional employment
Track income and residency compliance
Prepare PR application with complete evidence
“Afrovo guided me from day one of my 491 visa. Three years later, I applied for PR without stress and got approved in months.”
— Joseph, 491 Visa Holder, NSW
🎯 On a 491 visa and want to prepare for PR?
👉 Book a 491-to-PR Strategy Session
📋 Still deciding between 491 and other skilled visas?
👉 Get a Skilled Visa Consultation with Afrovo
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